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Wednesday, August 16, 2023

Shy Robin and the First Day of School, written and illustrated by Jaime Kim. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2023. $23.99 ages 4 and up

 


"I find a place that is safe and quiet.
Then an otter catches my eye. 
He is wearing pretty bracelets - 
and they're purple, just like my headband.
"

Robin is brave, loud, funny, and energetic - at  home. When she makes her way into the outside world, she is quite shy. Many young children will understand that. So, when it's time to start school for the first time, Robin is full of all of the worries that shy children feel when dealing with new situations. 

Her mom knows she will be fine: to make her feel more comfortable and confident, she gifts her daughter a purple headband as a reminder. Robin is not the only one in class who has initial worries about being at school. At circle time, a young otter proves himself even quieter than Robin is. No one hears him when he says his name is Marco, except for Robin. She knows how Marco feels. 

Robin makes an effort to stay close to Marco throughout the day. Marco does not respond to her overtures. As Robin becomes more comfortable at classroom activities, she becomes more like her 'home' self. It allows her to approach Marco, who wonders where her headband is. Poor Robin. How will she manage without her headband? 

Marco knows just what to do. That's what friends are for! 

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